Recordable Injury

A recordable injury, in the context of employment law and workplace safety, refers to any work-related injury or illness that requires medical treatment beyond first aid, leads to days away from work, results in restricted work activities, or causes loss or restriction of consciousness, motion, or senses.

Example #1

An employee fractures their arm while operating machinery at work and requires medical treatment at a hospital.

Example #2

A worker suffers from hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noise at the workplace necessitating a doctor's visit.

Misuse

Misclassifying a minor injury as non-recordable when it meets the criteria for recordability can lead to underreporting of workplace hazards and risks. This can prevent employees from receiving proper medical care and compensation for work-related injuries, ultimately jeopardizing their health and well-being.

Benefits

Accurately recording and reporting recordable injuries ensures that workplaces identify potential hazards, take corrective actions to prevent future incidents, and prioritize employee safety. It also allows employees to access necessary medical care and benefits for their workplace-related injuries.

Conclusion

Understanding what constitutes a recordable injury is crucial for both employees and employers to uphold workplace safety standards, protect workers' rights, and maintain a fair and transparent work environment.

Related Terms

Workplace SafetyWorker's CompensationWorkplace Hazards